Ruling in Facebook threats case postponed

Two Warren men must wait another week to learn whether they will be ordered to stand trial for alleged threats against police they’re accused of making on Facebook.

Judge Matthew Sabaugh of the 37th District Court was scheduled to rule Thursday whether Richard William Walker, 18, and Brandon Michael Davis, 20, should be bound over to Macomb County Circuit Court. Walker and Davis face charges of false report or threat of terrorism and using a computer to commit a felony, offenses punishable by up to 20 years in prison. They also are charged with possessing an illegal shotgun and resisting and obstructing police.

The continuation of a preliminary hearing for the two men was postponed to April 18 because Walker’s attorney, Brian Selburn, was not available Thursday because of a scheduling conflict involving an unrelated homicide trial.

Facebook posts attributed by Warren police and the Macomb County Prosecutors’ Office to Walker include: “Wish people would kill more cops we need to have more cops getting killed we need tru (sic) soldiers” and “Take a man’s car turn him into a cop killer.”

Officials claim that posts by Davis on the social media website include: “We really need more cop killers like for real f*** the cops f*** the court system” and “I don’t want to grow up, I’m a cop killer.”

Police were alerted to the online remarks by an anonymous tipster in January.

Last week, Warren police Sgt. John Barnes testified that when he confronted both men shortly after their arrest about terrorism, both defendants said they were just “screwing around”.

Inside Walker’s home, where Davis also resided, police confiscated four rifles including two semi-automatic assault-style weapons; a shotgun; a semi-automatic pistol; approximately 200 rounds of ammunition; and a crossbow. Defense lawyers on the case argued that prosecutors haven’t proven that both men posted the remarks nor that the comments amounted to threatening violence against police in Warren or elsewhere.

Assistant Prosecutor Derek Miller said Facebook images of the roommates carrying high-powered firearms resembling the ones found in the house show they are dangerous.

Walker and Davis remain in the Macomb County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bond.